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Books matching: dark humor in war

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  1. #1
    Catch-22
    Book 1 in the series:Catch-22

    Catch-22 - Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
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    'Catch-22' by Joseph Heller is a satirical novel set during World War II, focusing on the experiences of a bombardier named Yossarian. The story delves into the absurdity and insanity of military life, highlighting the struggles of individuals trying to navigate through a world where life is cheap and the rules seem designed to ensure no escape from the horrors of war. Through a fragmented narrative style, the author weaves a darkly humorous tale that provides insights into the futility of war and the importance of self-preservation amidst chaos.

    The writing style of 'Catch-22' is characterized by its witty banter, dark humor, and satirical take on the bureaucracy and illogical reasoning prevalent in wartime. The narrative jumps between characters, time periods, and locations, creating a chaotic yet engaging reading experience. Heller's exploration of the themes of insanity, morality, and the absurdity of life is delivered through a mix of laugh-out-loud moments and poignant reflections on the human condition.

    Yossarian was in the hospital with a pain in his liver that fell just short of being jaundice. The doctors were puzzled by the fact that it wasn’t quite jaundice. If it became jaundice they could trea...

  2. #2

    War Story by Derek Robinson
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    War Story by Derek Robinson is a gripping novel that delves into the brutal reality of the air war in 1916, focusing on the experiences of young, inexperienced pilots in the Royal Flying Corps. The book vividly portrays the daily struggles and horrors faced by these pilots as they navigate through primitive aerial combat, highlighting the dark humor, camaraderie, and the inevitable confrontation with death in the skies. Robinson's writing style expertly weaves together historical accuracy, engaging characters, and intense flying sequences, creating a compelling narrative that immerses readers into the world of Hornet Squadron just before the Battle of the Somme.

    That was on the map. In the air, and flying a BE2c, which meant crabbing against the wind and dodging the bigger clouds, the distance would be more like 200 miles. Allowing for a stop at the St. Omer ...

  3. #3

    Death Is Hard Work by Khaled Khalifa
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    In "Death Is Hard Work" by Khaled Khalifa, the novel follows the journey of three siblings, Bolbol, Hussein, and Fatima, as they transport their father's decaying body back to his ancestral village in war-torn Syria. The narrative delves into the family's complex dynamics, individual histories, and the impact of the Syrian civil war on their lives. Through the harrowing journey, the siblings confront their own struggles, the brutality of their surroundings, and the weight of fulfilling their father's last wish, all while navigating through a landscape of chaos and despair. The book blends elements of dark humor, profound reflections on life and death, and a stark portrayal of the psychological toll of living in a war zone.

    The writing style of the novel is described as elegant, lean, and well-crafted, reminiscent of the classic work "As I Lay Dying." Khalifa intricately weaves together the interwoven family stories to offer a glimpse into the human experience amidst conflict and loss. The narrative unfolds through a meandering yet poignant lens, capturing the essence of the characters' struggles, the harsh realities of war, and the profound impact of familial obligations in the face of adversity.

    Two hours before he died, Abdel Latif al-Salim looked his son Bolbol straight in the eye with as much of his remaining strength as he could muster and repeated his request to be buried in the cemetery...

  4. #4

    A Breed of Heroes - Charles Thoroughgood by Alan Judd
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    "A Breed of Heroes" by Alan Judd is a novel set during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, following the experiences of platoon commander Charles Thoroughgood as he navigates the challenges of army life in a crack infantry unit. The book provides a mix of the awfulness of the situation in Belfast, the hypocrisy on both sides, and touches of humor in depicting the struggles faced by the soldiers and the local inhabitants. Through Thoroughgood's growth as a leader and his interactions with both soldiers and officers, the author offers insights into the human behavior within the Army hierarchy and the raw humanity of life in Northern Ireland.

    The writing style of Alan Judd in "A Breed of Heroes" balances a serious portrayal of the grim realities of war-torn Belfast with lighthearted moments, creating a narrative that delves into important issues without becoming overly political. Judd's ability to vividly portray characters and situations immerses the reader in the story, providing a glimpse into the banality of war and the complexities of human nature within a military setting.

    ‘All you have to do,’ he continued, ‘is to thump ’em when they step out of line, and the rest of the time leave ’em alone. That’s all they want, really, you know, just to be left alone. There’s no dou...

  5. #5

    Civil War Stories by Candace Ward, Ambrose Bierce
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    'Civil War Stories' by Candace Ward, Ambrose Bierce is a collection of short stories set during the American Civil War. Bierce, who served in the Union Army during the war, provides a firsthand perspective on the horrors and realities of the conflict. The stories range from battlefields to soldiers' personal experiences, often with unexpected and jarring endings that leave a lasting impact on the reader.

    Bierce's writing style is described as clear-eyed, scathing, and unflinching when portraying the banality and cynicism of war. Through his narratives, he delves into the darker aspects of human nature, the gallantry, and the grim reality of life and death during the Civil War. The stories are filled with twists, honor, gallantry, and glory, offering a unique insight into the experiences of those who fought in the war.

    I THIS IS A SIMPLE story of a battle; such a tale as may be told by a soldier who is no writer to a reader who is no soldier. The morning of Sunday, the sixth day of April, 1862, was bright and warm. ...

  6. #6

    The Men Who Stare at Goats by Jon Ronson
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    'The Men Who Stare at Goats' by Jon Ronson is a fascinating exploration of the American military's foray into unconventional techniques such as mind control, psychic warfare, and paranormal experiments. The book delves into the bizarre world of New Age philosophies adopted by the US Army, from attempts to walk through walls to using psychic abilities in warfare, revealing the dark and humorous sides of these unconventional approaches. Ronson's writing style combines humor with a critical eye, presenting a narrative that oscillates between amusing anecdotes and disturbing revelations about the military's experiments.

    The book provides a unique insight into the outlandish ideas and practices of the American military, shedding light on the absurdity and potential dangers of adopting unconventional methods in warfare. Through a series of interviews and investigations, Ronson uncovers the surreal world of psychic warfare, remote viewing, and psychological experiments, offering a thought-provoking and entertaining account of the military's pursuit of unconventional tactics. The narrative weaves together humor and horror, leaving readers both amused and unsettled by the revelations presented in the book.

    This is a true story. It is the summer of 1983. Major General Albert Stubblebine III is sitting behind his desk in Arlington, Virginia, and he is staring at his wall, upon which hang his numerous mili...

  7. #7
    The Guns Above
    Book 1 in the series:Signal Airship

    The Guns Above - Signal Airship by Robyn Bennis
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    The Guns Above by Robyn Bennis is a steampunk war story following Josette Dupre, a woman who becomes an airship captain through luck and determination. The plot revolves around Josette trying to establish her command while being undermined by Bernat, the nephew of a general who is tasked with proving her incompetence. The book progresses towards a climactic battle, with detailed descriptions of airship components and immersive world-building creating a rich steampunk fantasy setting.


  8. #8

    Red Birds by Mohammed Hanif
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    'Red Birds' by Mohammed Hanif is a satirical novel that delves into the consequences of war, particularly focusing on the American Foreign Policy and its impact on individuals caught in the midst of conflict. The story follows a US military pilot who crashes in a desert in a Muslim country, leading to encounters with local characters like a teenage boy named Momo and a talking dog named Mutt. Through alternating first-person narrations, the book explores themes of loss, cultural misunderstandings, and the absurdity of war, all set against the backdrop of a refugee camp.

    The plot of 'Red Birds' is characterized by its multiple narrators, each offering a unique perspective on the unfolding events. The writing style is described as engaging and humorous on a sentence level, with a touch of dark satire that provides a critical commentary on the destructive nature of war and the complexities of human relationships. However, the story takes unexpected turns towards the end, leaving readers perplexed and questioning the author's intentions.


  9. #9

    Going After Cacciato by Tim O'Brien
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    'Going After Cacciato' by Tim O'Brien is a novel set during the Vietnam War, following a soldier named Cacciato who decides to desert the war and walk to Paris. The story is narrated by spec four Paul Berlin, providing glimpses into the squad's pursuit of Cacciato while reflecting on the horrors of war and the soldier's own experiences. The book blends reality with imagination, exploring themes of war, survival, and the power of the human spirit amidst chaos and despair.

    O'Brien's writing style in 'Going After Cacciato' is described as imaginative, dreamlike, and poignant. The novel delves into the mental and emotional landscapes of the Vietnam War with subtlety, brutality, and dark humor, offering a unique perspective on the effects of war on soldiers and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. The nonlinear narrative structure adds depth to the story, creating a compelling and thought-provoking read.

    It was a bad time. Billy Boy Watkins was dead, and so was Frenchie Tucker. Billy Boy had died of fright, scared to death on the field of battle, and Frenchie Tucker had been shot through the nose. Ber...

  10. #10

    When the Wind Blows by Raymond Briggs
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    'When the Wind Blows' by Raymond Briggs is a gripping graphic novel that explores the dangers of nuclear war through the story of an elderly British couple following government instructions in preparation for a nuclear attack. The book is commended for its comic book style illustrations and its powerful message that resonates with readers, highlighting the heartache and ignorance surrounding the truth during the Cold War era.


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